HARRISBURG – After amending language into this bill last session, Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) supports a bill that would require pawn shops and kiosks in the mall that purchase precious metals to keep records of the seller’s proof of identity and photograph each item.

“As the Commonwealth is still fighting the opioid epidemic, burglaries and stolen items are becoming more frequent. Unfortunately, it’s far too common that stolen jewelry is melted down and sold, often before victims even realize it is gone – especially when it was stolen by a family member,” Farry said.

House Bill 41 would also require all precious metal items to be kept for 10 business days after the sale is reported for potential inspection by law enforcement. Violations of the bill would result in a second-degree misdemeanor, an increase from the current third-degree misdemeanor.

“By prohibiting the sale to or purchase from minors, another positive effect of the bill may be that children have fewer resources available that can be used to fund a drug habit,” Farry added. “Families continue to lose loved ones. We must work to create barriers to addiction however possible and be supportive of the victims of crimes.”

After receiving strong bipartisan support in the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.